Hello,
We are trying to recover some data from a damaged/dodgy tape using cta-readtp tool. Do you know what the following error is
tapeReadError="Failed ST ioctl (MTFSF) in DriveGeneric::spaceFileMarksForward Errno=5: Input/output error"
and what can be done if anything?
Many thanks,
George
vlado
14 August 2026 09:47
2
George,
In /var/log/messages you should see more sense information about the error.
Check for anything around the same time (same minute and second).
What do you see there? Medium error?
Best regards,
Vladimir
Hi Vlado,
Yes, for every instance of the above error I see in the following in /var/log/messages
ug 13 16:36:10 getafix-ts24 kernel: st 6:0:0:0: [st1] Sense Key : Medium Error [current]
Aug 13 16:36:10 getafix-ts24 kernel: st 6:0:0:0: [st1] Add. Sense: Medium format corrupted
Best,
George
vlado
14 August 2026 11:12
4
George,
Thanks for checking these details.
In this case, I would repack the tape as soon as possible. to make sure the data is safe.
Make sure that when repacking, that area is tried using multiple tape drives.
Let me know if you need more help. Best regards,
Vladimir